Bormio, December 15th 2015 – After a fantastic season in the Italian resort, thousands of cyclists have fulfilled their dream to climb the passes around Bormio. For many, this is the place where lasting memories are made. For competitors, all eyes were on events like the Granfondo Stelvio Santini. While road cyclists from all over the world were conquering passes like the Stelvio and the Gavia in the Alta Valtellina, mountain bikers were busy discovering the magnificent trails in the surrounding forests, pastures and ridges.
The start of the season in Bormio was nothing short of grand: 3,000 road cyclists took part in the Granfondo Stelvio Santini, which saw participants climb the notorious Mortirolo and Stelvio passes. The challenge is one for body and mind alike. Tears of joy were not uncommon in the finishing area. Prior to the big race, younger cyclists rode through Bormio’s historic center during the Stelvio kids’ race. This clip will give you a taste of what to expect next year:
Throughout the season, the “Queen of the Alpine Roads” was visited by many eager cyclists for events and weekend adventures around Bormio. The Passo dello Stelvio charity event in mid-June for example, drew 1,500 cycling enthusiasts up Italy’s highest road. The Stelvio was also a part of Europe’s hardest Randonée, the intense Valtellina Extrême Brevet. More than 12,000 meters / 40.000 feet in altitude separated the participants from the finish line. An unforgettable highlight this season was the opportunity to tackle the Gavia pass side by side with professional cyclist Alberto Contador in September. Lasting memories were made along the pass during this year’s glorious autumn months.
Many mountain bikers turned up at the start of the Alta Valtellina Bike Marathon. The challenge was hard on the legs but efforts were rewarded with epic landscapes and wild views across mountain lakes. Here is a little sneak peek into what is going to happen next summer:
Bormio was thrilled to welcome Nadine Rieder as the bike resort’s new testimonial. The German Cross Country Eliminator Champion knows first hand how the Italian village and surroundings meet all her cycling needs and pleasures. “I have liked Bormio from the beginning of my cycling career. The great landscapes are a fantastic motivation to get out and train. But also after training, I can enjoy my time in the wellness facilities and enjoy the Italian culinary delights. The perfect way to relax and regenerate.”
The three thermal spas are popular meeting points for athletes after an adventurous day in the saddle. Later on, stories and tips are shared while tucking-in to plates filled with local cuisines. The real “La Dolce Vita”!
Despite the winter just outside the window, the cyclists are excited about the next season. Bormio is already making plans for another great year. The first date to mark on the calendar is June 5th 2016, when the Granfondo Stelvio Santini will be back: the day when the going gets tough, the tough well get going! On June 18th and 19th the Valtellina Extrême Brevet, the toughest Randonée in Europe with 12,999 meters / 24.600 feet height difference, is on the program. And then, on August 27th the Stelvio road will be closed for cars on all three sides in occasion of the traditional appointment with the “Scalata Cima Coppi – Stelvio Bike day”. From September 7th to 9th Bormio will be the protagonist of the Haute Route Dolomites Alpes Suisses, the road bike race on the Alps from Geneva to Venice.
Mountain bike enthusiasts can’t miss, from July 20th to 21st, 2016, the Bike Transalp, that is making a stop in Bormio and the Alta Valtellina Bike Marathon, within the wonderful setting of the Stelvio National Park, on July 30th.This is the perfect occasion to get to know this region.
You will find further information about Bormio here: bormio.eu or send an email to: info@bormio.eu